I Bid You Fondue

Feel free to laugh — but as a free citizen who still, as far as I know, has the right to speak and think freely; until Obama establishes his own version of the Ministry of Love I see no reason I must, in principle, accept  the legitimacy of his presidency. Unlike Bill & Bernardine, I do not advocate an overthrow of the US government, so I think this assertion is in no way subversive — unless the first amendment stands on shakier ground than I thought.

This is not to detract from the pride and self-congratulation, however misplaced, that many may feel for this historic accomplishment. Much of the circumstance that leads me to this conclusion was likely beyond Obama’s control (I never get enough of the old plausible deniability), and perhaps he did merely play the cards he was dealt more shrewdly (all of them Aces from the bottom of the deck). I would be thrilled beyond words that we had just elected the first black president (since WJC, of course) if the process — for which the DNC is the main culprit — had not been so hopelessly flawed throughout.

But what a relief it must be for some progressive bloggers, now that the election is finally over! It was an unpopular enough position (online at least) supporting Hillary (the stand-in Republican), but to further jeopardize one’s progressive credentials by supporting an actual Repug, or by advocating a protest vote was obviously quite the leap for most. I myself have no such credentials or reputation to jeopardize, so the choice was never all that difficult: Nobama — no way, no how.

And yet, after that infamous day in Denver, I will confess to some feelings of abandonment when a few of my favorite Obama critics recovered their “reason”, battled their conflicted Democratic consciences, or unceremoniously disappeared:

Vast Left –Atheist, esteemed originator of the WORM game, and other trenchant commentary, wouldn’t return my calls for days after the primary ended. Claims he was on hiatus to deal with “RL”. Comes back occasionally to endorse Obama; then un-endorse him. I just had to break it off. I might be willing to give him another chance…maybe we could still be friends…

Lambert “tepid Obama supporter” Strether: Corrente was one of the few islands of sanity in a blogisphere of derangement during the primary.  “Why does Barack Obama want my friend to keep bleeding into her shoes” is an example of why Lambert was  a must read for months.  After the Denver Debacle  he seemed to develop an obsession with his vegetable garden, and academic discussions about the need for a more tolerant PB 2.0  seemed a bit hypocritical when he banned folks like miq2xu for discussing Obama’s connections to Bill Ayers . Yet Mandos remained.

Talk Left’s BTD/Big Tent Democrat: Not sure why he’s  on this list as he  was actually an Obama supporter  (for cynical, strategic reasons, apparently), but the discussion was always pretty Clinton friendly. He correctly predicted that the media would continue their collective reach-around through the general election.  Because most of his posts were critical of the Obama campaign’s divisive tactics (ie: he strongly advocated FL/MI re-votes), and his following seemed to consist mainly of Hillary supporters, he often had to remind people that he was not. I wandered off  long ago, (went back a few times to watch Jeralyn jump the shark) but still respect him as a gentleman who can hold his Kool-Aide on a date with the opposite sects.

eriposte at Left Coaster:  An early proponent of the Reality Based Community, provided some of the most painstakingly documented posts advocating Clinton’s candidacy. As far as I know, he disappeared completely after the primary. I really can’t blame him for taking a break, though, he was a very generous and prolific poster throughout the primary.

Arthur Silbur — No bone to pick, here. I was just wondering if he’s alright after this last ominous post.

Seriously, I probably would have lost my sanity during the primary if I hadn’t discovered the few derangement free zones like corrente, and they are  so far out of my league that it is pretty laughable for me to be critiquing them. As far as I was concerned, though, in the GE we were left with only two choices:  Party or Principle.

UPDATE: I’ve been informed that eriposte may be a she. Thanks to the Petulant Clown for the tip and for blessing my blog with his presence.

ARTHER SILBER IS RISEN — momentarily, at least — from whatever is ailing him.  Please go at once to Once Upon a Time… and throw him a few bucks, he really needs a new computer.